About a thousand protesters gathered in Hollywood on Sunday before the 2024 Academy Awards to demand an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
At around 1 p.m., hundreds of demonstrators assembled at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Ivar Avenue, near the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars were set to begin at 4 p.m. Attendees were already arriving on the red carpet.
An Israel supporter stands on the sidewalk as a protester shares views Sunday in Hollywood.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters spilled onto Sunset Boulevard, waving Palestinian flags and occupying the eastbound side of the street. Approximately 40 police officers in riot gear were stationed at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue, just one block west of the gathering.
The crowd chanted “Free free Palestine!” while displaying posters with a message directed at the Oscar audience: “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping.”
Additional demonstrators gathered at various locations, including the Hollywood exit off the nearby 101 Freeway and intersections like Sunset and Vine, and La Brea and Franklin Avenues near the Dolby Theatre, all advocating for a cease-fire.
Security was heightened in and around the theater, with Los Angeles police increasing patrols in anticipation of protests. Attendees had to pass through multiple checkpoints and steel barriers before reaching the red carpet.
One protester, Miguel Camnitzer, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace of Los Angeles, expressed his support for the pro-Palestinian cause due to his family history and belief in preventing genocide.
Another demonstrator, Sarah Jacobus, emphasized the urgent need for aid to Palestinian citizens affected by the conflict, particularly those in Rafah, a city in Southern Gaza.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television Radio Artists also joined the protest, displaying a large SAG-AFTRA poster to show their solidarity with Palestine.
A Palestinian actress, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinian Americans in the entertainment industry for speaking out against the conflict.
Recent rallies and marches globally have been calling for an end to the violence in the region, as the death toll continues to rise.
International mediators have been working to negotiate a temporary truce in the conflict to allow aid to reach those in need, but the situation remains dire with reports of famine and lack of essential supplies.
Efforts to deliver aid to Gaza have faced obstacles, with restrictions on supplies and safety concerns hindering relief efforts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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